Map Room Lounge

Map Room Lounge lets you have a cocktail inside the Boston Public Library, with tea showing up in several of the drinks. The TCA Manhattan uses jasmine and black tea vermouth; the Dorian Gray combines vodka, Earl Grey tea, grapefruit, and lime. There are mocktails and a tea menu too, so alcohol does not have to be part of the visit.

Food ranges from a croque monsieur and crab cakes to mushroom flatbread, charcuterie, and scones. The lounge also offers a tea experience with savory bites and sweets. Seating is first come, first served, which makes this a different plan from reserving afternoon tea at the separate Courtyard Tea Room. Check the day’s closing time before heading over, since service hours vary through the week.